In the mix of daily mail, meet the postcard: a small but striking standout among bills, coupons, and magazines. Postcards are a golden opportunity to get your nonprofit’s message directly into the hands (and hearts!) of the people you want to reach. The trick? Making sure yours is the one that gets noticed in a sea of paper.
So, how do you stand out with your snail mail? Enter our Brand Basics series! In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know to create postcards that don’t just deliver, but connect. From mastering mailing guidelines (because nobody loves a trip to the post office twice) to nailing the design and text to making people do a double take, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make your postcard pop!
With postcards, your nonprofit can send a little piece of its mission straight to someone’s mailbox. Need to spread the word about an upcoming blood drive? Remind parents about school enrollment deadlines? Invite community members to your next faith-based service? Or maybe you want to send a heartfelt “Thank You!” to everyone who supported your fundraiser or are looking to send out some birthday cards to supporters. Whatever the goal, postcards deliver your message with a personal, memorable touch.
But postcards aren’t just about visibility, they’re about connection. With the right mailing list, postcards are a cost-effective, simple way to connect with friends both old and new. These budget-friendly, versatile pieces of paper can help you reach both familiar faces and fresh supporters alike. Whether you’re inviting new donors to join your mission, spreading some holiday cheer, or sending heartfelt thanks to gala attendees, a postcard can do it all (and do it well). The key is knowing what you want it to achieve before you dive into the design. Ready to get started? Let’s map out your postcard game plan!
When it comes to postcards, every inch matters! With just two sides to work with, it’s all about making the most of the front and back. These two sides aren’t just similar designs flipped over– they serve completely different purposes. One side must meet mailing guidelines to ensure smooth delivery, while the other side is your blank slate to tell your story, share your message, and captivate your audience.
The front of your postcard has a big job to do! It needs to hold two critical elements: a space in the top right corner for your stamp (or EDDM notice) and room in the bottom right corner for the recipient’s address. Planning to go the EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) route? There’s no need to include an address label, simply include the required postage notice in the top right. Placement is important since mail sorting machines are sticklers for precision. Misplaced elements can mean undelivered postcards, returned mail, and, frankly, a lot of unnecessary headaches and wasted money.
Pro Tip: Always leave at least a 1” x 1” space in the top right corner for postage—whether it’s a traditional stamp or the EDDM mark. This ensures your postcard goes through the post office’s sorting machines without a hitch.
Now for the fun part: the back of your postcard! Think of it as your creative playground. Unlike the front, there’s no need to save space for mailing elements here, which means you have free reign to make it shine. This is where you can let your nonprofit’s personality take center stage. Include eye-catching visuals, a bold call-to-action, or even a QR code that leads directly to your donation page, volunteer signup, or event info. If you don't have room for your contact details on the front, this is the perfect spot to add it. Remember, the back of your postcard isn’t just an afterthought, it’s your chance to leave a lasting impression. Make it colorful, compelling, and uniquely yours!
Finesse Your Fonts: If your nonprofit has a signature font, flaunt it proudly throughout your postcard! But don’t feel tied down to just one. Mix and match fonts that complement each other to create a design that’s eye catching and engaging. For extra flair, play with italics or bolding to make key points pop. And when it comes to font sizes, think big! Stick to fonts no smaller than 10pt. Anything smaller than that will be hard to read!
Every Word Counts: With limited space, every word needs to pull its weight! Craft copy that grabs attention, tells your nonprofit’s story, and inspires action. Whether it’s “Donate Now,” “Mark Your Calendar,” “Give Today,” or “Visit Our Website,” calls to action (CTAs) are your secret weapon to turning readers into participants.
Color Me Impressed: Bring your postcard to life with a splash (or two) of color. Bright, bold hues can help your message stand out in the sea of mail. Stick to your brand palette or experiment with event-themed colors to keep things fresh. Want to go all out? Switch up not just the background but the text, too! Just remember easy readability is key.
Picture Perfect Postcard: Nothing tells a story like a great photo (or a few)! Use the back of your postcard as a mini gallery for impactful images that bring your nonprofit’s mission to life. Whether it’s one stunning image or a collection of highlights, visuals are the fastest way to draw people in and connect emotionally.
Take it Beyond the Basics: Sure, your postcard needs the essentials: phone number, website, social media, and maybe a physical address. But why stop there? Elevate your postcard game by turning it into a postcard magnet or adding a QR code! These handy little squares can whisk recipients straight to your donation page or even signups. It’s a simple way to turn curiosity into commitment.
When it comes to postcards, the design might get the spotlight, but let’s not forget about the star: the paper! Your postcard needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the journey through the mail, which is where reliable cardstock comes in.
The USPS says it best, “thin, flimsy pieces tend to get caught in mail processing equipment. If your mailpieces get damaged in the equipment, then your message doesn’t reach your customers.”
There are two types of cardstocks we recommend for the job: 14pt and 16pt cardstock.
14pt Cardstock: If you're on a budget but still want something that holds up, this slightly thinner, lightweight option is your best friend. It’s durable enough to survive the hustle and bustle of the mail system without breaking the bank.
16pt Cardstock: For a premium feel, this thicker, sturdier cardstock is a step up. It’s resilient, giving your postcard a professional look and feel that will stand out in the mailbox.
Pro Tip: When choosing between 14pt and 16pt cardstock, consider your design. Bold colors and intricate designs will pop even more on the thicker 16pt cardstock, giving it that extra “wow” factor. On a budget? The 14pt cardstock offers a great mix of durability and affordability, perfect for high-volume mailings.
Once you’ve picked your paper, it’s time to decide on the finish! High gloss UV coating can give your postcard a shiny, professional look while protecting it from the elements. But, a little heads-up: if you plan on writing on your postcards, don’t gloss both sides. Trying to write on a fully glossed postcard can lead to smudged ink which not only looks messy but can also make your message harder to read. Leaving one side uncoated or going with a matte finish keeps things smooth for your handwritten notes and makes sure your message comes through loud and clear.
So, what size should your postcard be? It all depends on how you’re mailing it out. For EDDM, the following sizes are approved:
If you’re mailing to a list, these sizes are typically used.
Pro Tip: Before picking your size, look at postage costs for each option. Larger sizes, like 6.5” x 12”, may grab more attention but could also cost a bit more to mail. Smaller sizes, like 4” x 6”, are more budget-friendly while still delivering a great impact. Balance the size with your goals—and your budget!
When you send a postcard, it’s not like posting a flyer or handing out a brochure. There are a few extra steps to consider since postcards travel through the mail! Nonprofits typically have two ways to send postcards to a large audience:
When mailing to a list you’ll need to reserve about 1/3 of the front of your postcard for your stamp, mailing address, and possibly a return address. You can either use a pre-existing list of donors, volunteers, and supporters or create a fresh, targeted list. This is a great way to reach specific groups like businesses, shoppers, or even new folks in town. It might take a little extra time compared to EDDM, but it’s a fun and effective way to make sure your message lands in the hands of the people who are most likely to jump in and support your cause.
It is very important to ensure that your mailing list has accurate data, as addresses that have discrepancies (e.g., incorrect name) will be returned and you will waste money. We recommend proofing your donor/volunteer/audience database regularly to ensure up-to-date contact information!
On the flip side, EDDM lets you send postcards to everyone within a certain area. This is super handy if you want to reach a big crowd. Whether you're targeting a specific neighborhood, town, or even an entire county, EDDM helps you spread the word far and wide without the hassle of creating a mailing list. It’s a major time-saver, but it can get a little pricier, especially in larger cities where the volume is higher. Still, it’s a great option if you’re aiming for mass visibility and want your message in as many hands as possible.
Pro Tip: Why not mix things up and combine strategies? Try mailing a list of your loyal supporters and use EDDM to cast a wider net for bigger events or community awareness. It’s a win-win, reaching both your core crowd and potential new faces!
Postcards are a fun and impactful way to connect with others! These little cards travel right into people’s hands and eventually into their homes, making them a personal and memorable way to spread your nonprofit’s message. Whether you're reaching out to loyal supporters or introducing your cause to new faces, postcards can make a lasting impression. So, why not make postcards your secret weapon for building stronger connections and spreading the word?
Designing the perfect postcard might feel like a big task, especially if you're staring at a blank canvas. But don’t stress, templates are here to save the day! Here at MissionPrint, we have hundreds of customizable postcard templates that make it easy to bring your idea to life. Sign up to get access to all of our print templates, and you'll have everything you need to create a postcard that’s as awesome as your nonprofit—no design skills required!
You’ll need to use at least a 10pt font for the main text on your postcard. For headlines, go even bigger! You want your font to be easy to read.
To see how effective your postcards are, use a specific URL, discount code, or QR code on the card. That will help you see how many people it draws in!
Avoid placing text or images in areas reserved for barcodes or postage stamps. Be sure to follow USPS guidelines and leave a 1” x 1” space in the top-right corner for your postage stamp or EDDM notice.
Reserve about 1/3 of one side for the address, postage, and mailing requirements. Check USPS guidelines for exact dimensions so everything fits perfectly.
To mail postcard magnets, ensure they meet USPS size and weight guidelines and are securely attached to the card. Consider using a sturdy envelope to avoid issues with postal sorting machines.
Good news! Nonprofits get a reduced postage rate! Just make sure your postcard meets USPS size and weight guidelines for nonprofit mail to qualify.
For top-notch quality, go with a pro printer like MissionPrint! We specialize in nonprofit printing and can help you get your message out with ease.
Place your order here!
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